Wood working
- Table 1: Established noise control methods for high risk activities
- Table 2: Management of noise risks
Table 1: Established noise control for high risk activities
This table identifies high risk activities or processes; and links to further information and case studies.
A PDF version of table 1 is also available.
Activity or process | Established noise control methods | Further information (links) |
---|---|---|
Circular saws Example noise levels*: 97-102dB |
When purchasing new blades obtain 'low noise blades'. | Noise control in sawmilling (from HSG172) |
Vertical spindle moulders Example noise levels*: 95-100dB |
The use of limited cutter projection tooling will reduce noise levels and should have been in place since 2003 under PUWER. |
|
Multi-spindle planer moulders Example noise levels*: up to 105dB |
Segmented blocks (widely available) can reduce in-feed noise levels. Properly designed and maintained chip extraction systems (where not part of integral enclosure) will reduce idling noise levels. Use smoother profile blocks with low blade projection. Slotted or perforated table lips can reduce idling noise levels. Reductions in noise can be made by reducing the cutter's rotational speed, and increasing the number of knives on the cutter. There should be a noise enclosure, either as an integral part of the machine or retrofitted. As with all noise enclosures it should be of suitable design, form as complete an enclosure as possible, and be properly maintained and used. |
Noise reduction at multi-spindle planing and moulding machines (from WIS8) |
Band resaws Example noise levels*: 90-105dB |
Maintenance of machine (eg pulley scrapers, lubricating felt pads or sawdust extraction system) and blade, combined with blade adjustment, are extremely important for noise levels. Noise enclosure of band-resaws is considered to be reasonably practicable. |
Woodworking Information Sheet 4 (WIS4 & 5 are to be combined in to a revised WIS4 due to be published around summer 2007) |
Planer thicknesser Example noise levels*: 97-101dB |
Reductions of 7 to 13dB have been achieved during thicknessing only by adjustment of the table to slightly increase gap between cutter and table. Not to be used when the machine is used for planing when the timber is fed across the top of the cutter. | |
Small hand fed thicknesser Example noise levels*: 104dB |
Enclosure (can be as simple as a 15mm lined chipboard box). |
|
Chipper/hoggers | Segregation of machine from work areas, or enclosure of machine. |
* Sample LAeq. The noise levels are indicative only and will vary depending on equipment type and conditions of use.
Table 2: Management of noise risks
A PDF version of table 2 is also available.
Issue | Expectation | References and related guidance |
---|---|---|
Workplace design for reduced noise exposure | Table 1 deals with established technical and organisational noise control measures for a range of high noise risk activities or processes. In addition to these measures, in general there will always be benefits to be gained in considering and applying general principles of workplace design for reducing noise exposure. For example:
|
Example: Coating pans Example: Flexible acoustic screening material Example: Acoustic refuges |
Selection of tools and machinery | Employers should demonstrate a positive purchasing policy which makes sure noise is taken into account when selecting machinery. For many types of equipment there will be models designed to be less noisy. When selecting equipment to buy or hire, besides ensuring that the tool or equipment is generally suitable for the job, employers should:
|
Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks Refer also to L108 Part 4: Selecting Quieter Tools and Machinery. |
Limiting exposure duration | Restriction of the time spent in noisy areas, or doing noisy tasks, can be effective in reducing noise exposures, as can ensuring that noisy devices are only used when they are actually needed. Where some employees do noisy jobs all day or week, and others do quieter ones, job rotation should be considered. This might need you to train employees to carry out other jobs. This system will reduce the noise exposure of some employees while increasing that of others, so care and judgement is needed. Employees will need to be rotated away from noisy jobs for a significant proportion of time to make an appreciable difference to their daily exposure. The noise exposure ready-reckoner and exposure calculators can be used to indicate the reductions in exposure that can be achieved by reducing the duration of exposure to noise. |
|
Hearing Protection | Providing personal hearing protection should be one of the first considerations on discovering a risk to the health of your employees due to noise. It should not be used as an alternative to controlling noise by technical and organisational means, but for tackling the immediate risk while other control measures are being developed. In the longer term, it should be used where there is a need to provide additional protection beyond what has been achieved through noise control. Hearing protection use should be targeted at particular noisy jobs and activities. Personal hearing protection must be supplied by the employer to any employee whose daily personal noise exposure is likely to exceed 85 dB, or who is likely to be exposed to peak sound pressure levels above 137 dB. The employee must use the protection provided. The employer should ensure that, through the use of hearing protection, the employee's effective noise exposure is reduced to at least below the above levels. Important factors to consider in the selection and use of hearing protection include:
The use of personal hearing protection should be managed through the provision of appropriate information, instruction and training for employees, supervision and the use of appropriately defined and demarcated Hearing Protection Zones. |
Hearing protection – general advice HSE hearing protection calculator Hearing protection – Over-protection Hearing protection – real-world factors Hearing protection – advice on issuing Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks Noise: Don't lose your hearing Refer also to L108 Part 5: Hearing Protection – Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance |
Information, instruction and training | It is important that employees understand the risks they may be exposed to. Where they are at risk from noise their employer should at least tell them:
This information should be given in a way the employee can be expected to understand (for example special arrangements might need to be made if the employee does not understand English or cannot read). To establish whether information, instruction and training has been carried out effectively, look for evidence that personal hearing protection is being fully and properly used, that noise control equipment is being used, and that procedures for low noise working are being followed. |
What do I need to tell my employees? Employee and safety representatives |
Health surveillance (audiometry) | Health surveillance for noise-induced hearing damage should be in place for employees whose daily personal noise exposure is frequently above 85 dB, or who are frequently exposed to peak sound pressure levels above 137 dB. Health surveillance should also be provided where exposures are lower, but where the employee may be particularly sensitive to noise. As a minimum, a programme of health surveillance should include:
|
Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks Noise: Don't lose your hearing Refer also to L108 Part 6: Health Surveillance for Hearing Damage |
* Sample LAeq. The noise levels are indicative only and will vary depending on equipment type and conditions of use.